Jerrell Freeman

Trevathan wasn't the only standout veteran Chicago added at inside linebacker this offseason. Freeman arrives after a fine four-year stretch with the Colts, during which he totaled 478 tackles in 57 games, and he should provide a similar presence on the interior of Chicago's 3-4. The main concern with Freeman is that he missed seven games over the last two years with a variety of nagging injuries, which isn't the most reassuring thing when a player hits age 30. Still, if he's on the field Freeman should offer steady production in tackles and even sacks (12 in the last four years).

A Week 1 hamstring injury nagged Freeman all season last year, limiting him to 12 games, but he still approached triple-digit tackles on just 764 snaps. Considering he's likely to play about 1,000 snaps this year, Freeman is a good bet to bounce back. He averaged more than 135 tackles per season from 2012 to 2013, so expect at least 120 tackles. Freeman also has strong playmaking skills with nine sacks, three interceptions and eight forced fumbles in the last three years.

General manager Ryan Grigson has made some questionable moves since he took over the Colts, but the acquisition of Freeman from the CFL in 2012 was sheer brilliance. Freeman immediately made clear that he's one of the top linebackers in the league, and he was even better in 2013. His tackle total dipped from 145 to 126, but Freeman improved his sack production from two to 5.5, intercepted two passes and forced six fumbles. He appears to be one of the best sack sources for IDPs at ILB and MLB, and the Colts will presumably try to keep utilizing him in that regard after posting such a high forced fumble total. The arrival of fellow inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is probably a slight concern to Freeman's tackle production – Jackson posted 271 tackles over the last two years – but Freeman shouldn't fall below the 120-tackle range, and he'll likely remain a standout playmaker in the sack and forced fumble categories.

Freeman made the Colts roster as an undrafted free agent who previously played in the CFL, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor before that, so it would be an understatement to say that his 145 tackles took the league by huge surprise. Freeman rounded out his superb 2012 with two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception he returned for a touchdown. He'll head into 2013 as the top Indianapolis linebacker, even with Pat Angerer returning to full health.

Freeman played three seasons for Saskatchewan in the CFL, where he was a 2011 All Star. He'll compete for a reserve linebacker role.

Will try to make the roster as a backup linebacker or on special teams.